EP2767478B2 - Shrinking device with walls built from a plurality of modules - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a shrinking device according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

When packaging articles, in particular beverage containers, bottles, etc., in bundles, the articles are put together in the desired manner and wrapped in a shrink film. The shrink film is shrunk by supplying shrinking agent, for example hot air, in a shrink tunnel around the articles. Air pressurization by means of nozzle pipes, nozzle channels and shaft walls are known from the prior art.

Often, depending on their size, the containers are processed in several parallel paths in the shrink tunnel. In order to be able to apply warm air to all containers from all sides, means for introducing the warm air must also be provided, which inject the shrinking agent between the articles guided in parallel. For example, shrink tunnels with at least one so-called middle shaft wall are used for multi-lane processing. The shaft walls are side spraying devices in the form of perforated hollow bodies. The inner shaft wall has shrink agent outlet openings on both side wall surfaces arranged parallel to the transport direction, so that hot air flows into the inside of the shrink tunnel on both sides and thus ensures that the articles are subjected to hot shrink agent from the side. The well-known shaft walls are walls with an internal cavity into which the hot air is blown. For this purpose, the shaft walls each have at least one air inlet opening, preferably arranged in the upper region, through which the hot air is blown into the shaft wall from above and then flows through the shrinking agent outlet openings into the interior of the shrink tunnel.

Lateral spraying devices in the form of perforated hollow bodies are thus known in the prior art. These shaft walls run along the direction of travel through the shrink tunnel and ensure that the articles are exposed to hot shrink medium from the side. These shaft walls are usually designed as welded or riveted structures, in which the exit surfaces are equipped with different hole patterns. In general, the shaft walls are always made from one part and are therefore defined in a defined manner. The system can only be reconfigured to different product groups with considerable effort. Even with design changes, retrofitting or complaint-related changes, the time and design-related effort is high.

The document US 3717939 describes a shrinking device in which the shrinking gas is distributed via a system of lines and a so-called register.

US 3826017 discloses a heating system, in particular a shrinking device with separate shrinking agent modules, which are separated from one another by outlet channels. The shrinking agent is fed into the modules from below.

US 3727324 describes a shrink tunnel in which shrink material is transported through an arrangement comprising a plurality of shrink arches.

US 3397465 discloses a shrink device divided into three areas. Shrinking agent is introduced within a start and an end area, while hot air can escape from the furnace in a central area.

The disclosure US 2008/0045136 A1 describes an air duct with a column plate which has a multiplicity of openings. A plurality of guide structures within the air duct cause the air to exit the openings in a directed manner, so that the air outlet is essentially uniform over the entire length of the duct.

The object of the invention is to simply optimally adapt the spraying of packaged goods to the particular packaged goods as they pass through a shrinking device in the transport direction.

The above object is achieved by a device which comprises the features in claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

The invention relates to a shrinking device for shrinking packaging material around an article or a combination of articles. In particular, such a shrinking device is used to produce so-called containers. Here, shrink film is shrunk around an assembly of a plurality of bottles in order to combine them as a packaging or sales unit. The shrinking device comprises at least one transport route for the articles or article assemblies. The articles or article combinations covered with packaging material are transported on the transport route in a transport direction through the shrinking device.

So-called shaft walls are arranged on both sides along the transport route, each of which has at least one outflow surface for shrinking agents facing the interior of the shrinking device. Hot air in particular serves as the shrinking agent, in particular room air heated by means of a blower or another suitable fluid. The outflow surfaces each comprise a plurality of shrinking agent outlet openings. At least one shrinking agent distribution device is arranged above each shaft wall. This is preferably a distribution channel to which a blower for generating hot air or another suitable shrinking agent generator is assigned. The distribution channel has approximately the length of the shaft wall and comprises the shaft wall on it facing underside an outflow channel, which extends over the entire length of the distribution channel and thus over the entire length of the shaft wall. The shrinking agent is passed through the shrinking agent distribution device into the interior of the shaft walls and from there via shrinking agent outlet openings of the outflow surfaces into the interior of the shrinking device and the articles wrapped with the packaging agent are acted upon by the shrinking agent.

The shaft walls are each modular. In particular, the shaft walls are each constructed from at least two shaft chamber modules arranged one after the other in the transport direction, the at least one shrinking agent distribution device being assigned to at least two shaft chamber modules per shaft wall. That the at least one shrinking agent distribution device supplies at least two shaft chamber modules with shrinking agent.

The shaft chamber modules each comprise two side surfaces, which are arranged at least largely parallel to the direction of transport. At least one of the side surfaces is at least partially designed as an outflow surface. In so-called outer shaft walls, for example in the case of a shrinking device with single-lane product processing, the side surfaces facing the interior of the shrinking device are designed as outflow surfaces. In the case of so-called inner shaft walls, for example in the case of a middle shaft wall of a shrinking device with two-web product processing, both side surfaces each face a partial interior of the shrinking device. Accordingly, both side surfaces are at least partially designed as outflow side surfaces. Furthermore, the shaft chamber modules each comprise an upper side surface, an underside surface, a front and a rear cross-sectional side surface. The cross-sectional side surfaces are arranged at least largely orthogonally to the transport direction. The top surfaces each have at least partially a connection opening through which the shrinking agent generated by the shrinking agent distribution device is introduced into the at least two shaft chamber modules of the shaft wall.

The shaft walls also include a support structure. The length of the support structure largely corresponds to the length of the respective shaft wall, i.e. the support structure extends at least largely along the entire shaft wall in the transport direction. At least two shaft chamber modules for shrinking means which are successive in the transport direction are formed on the support structure. The support structure is designed as a comb-shaped frame structure.

A first lower frame element forms the so-called comb back. The length of the lower frame element largely corresponds to the length of the support structure and thus approximately to the length of the shaft wall. Fastening elements are arranged on the lower frame element at regular intervals largely orthogonally to the transport plane of the article. The shaft chamber modules are formed between or on these fastening elements. The term fastening element is used in the following to describe a cross element of the support structure designed as a fastening element.

Alternatively, the support structure comprises at least one upper frame element and a plurality of fastening elements arranged largely orthogonal to the upper frame element and largely orthogonal to the transport route. The upper frame element is arranged on a distribution device for shrinking means and is at least partially permeable to the shrinking means. The upper frame element is constructed in such a way that the shrinking agent can flow largely unhindered into the interior of the shaft chamber modules of the shaft wall through the upper frame element. This upper frame element can consist, for example, of at least two longitudinal struts which are connected to one another and stabilized by connecting cross struts.

According to the invention, the individual shaft chamber modules are each formed by the frame and fastening elements or transverse elements of the support structure and by side surfaces, the side surfaces being closed side surfaces or outflow surfaces, which are arranged and fastened to the frame and fastening elements or transverse elements , In particular, these are closed side plates or outflow plates with shrinking agent outlet openings which are mounted on the frame and fastening elements of the support structure. These side panels or outflow panels are screwed to the frame and fastening elements of the support structure. The shaft chamber modules are separated from one another by the fastening elements or transverse elements in a shrink-medium-tight manner.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening elements are designed as separating elements. The term separating element is used in the following in particular for a transverse element of the support structure designed as a separating element. The separating elements separate the at least two shaft chamber modules, which are fastened one after the other in the transport direction, in a laterally shrink-medium-tight or air-tight manner. In particular, the shrinkage means from the first shaft chamber module in the region of the fastening element forming a cross-sectional area of the shaft chamber module cannot get into the second shaft chamber module and vice versa.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the width of the lower frame element of the support structure is variable over the length of the support structure. In particular, it can be provided that the width of the lower frame element the support structure increases perpendicularly to the direction of transport at least in regions over a length of the support structure. In this case, it is additionally provided that the width of the fastening elements arranged largely orthogonal to the lower frame element and largely orthogonal to the direction of transport corresponds in each case to the width of the lower frame element in a respective fastening region of the fastening elements on the support structure. In particular, the width of a first fastening element is less than the width of a fastening element arranged downstream in the transport direction. By attaching side and / or outflow plates, a shaft wall is thus obtained from several modules, the width and thus also the cross-sectional area of which increases in the direction of transport.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the width of the fastening elements is variable along their length between the lower frame element of the support structure and the upper frame element of the support structure or the shrinking agent distribution device. In particular, the fastening elements in the fastening area on the lower frame element can have a first width and in a fastening area on the upper frame element or on the shrinking agent distribution device can have a second width, the second width preferably being greater than the first width. By attaching side and / or outflow sheets, a shaft wall is thus obtained from a plurality of shaft chamber modules, at least some of the shaft chamber modules having a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of transport, the width of which increases between the lower frame element and the shrinking agent distribution device. The shaft wall thus formed has a so-called wedge-shaped cross section orthogonal to the direction of transport. This results in an advantageous outflow direction of the shrinking means in a lower region of the shaft wall, in particular in the region directly above the transport route for the articles. In particular, this does not flow downward, but rather approximately parallel to the transport plane and thus supports the upward shrinking movement of the lower film tab of the packaging material.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the fastening elements have a cross section perpendicular to the direction of transport, the upper side of the cross section adjoining the upper frame element of the support structure or the fastening region of the shrinking agent distribution device and the underside of the cross section adjoining the lower frame element, at least one of the largely Sides of the fastening elements arranged perpendicular to the transport route are convex or concave. By fastening correspondingly curved side and / or outflow plates, a shaft wall is thus obtained from several shaft chamber modules, at least some of the shaft chamber modules comprising concave or convex discharge surfaces.

The described variations of the fastening elements make it possible to adapt the cross section of the shaft wall flexibly to the product to be processed in the shrinking device. Furthermore, it can be provided that the outflow surfaces in the different shaft chamber modules are at least partially designed differently in order to achieve optimal spraying of the products along the transport route. The side surfaces of individual shaft chamber modules can preferably only be designed in some areas as an outflow surface. The shrink film is generally wrapped around the articles so that the shrink film protrudes laterally over the articles and forms a so-called film eye when shrinking. The packaging unit is transported through the shrinking device in such a way that the areas of the film eyes are arranged largely parallel to the outflow surfaces of the shaft walls. For example, in an initial area of the shrinking device it can be provided that only the upper and lower areas of the packaging unit are sprayed and, if possible, no direct shrinking agent supply is to be entered in the central area of the film eye. In this case, shaft chamber modules are used which, viewed over their height, only have shrinking agent outlet openings in an upper and a lower region. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if shrinking agent is fed to the shrink packaging in an end region of the shrinking device, in particular in the region of the film eye. In this case, a shaft chamber module that closes the transport route is used with an increased density of shrinking agent outlet openings in the middle area. Or a shaft chamber module is used which has shrinking agent outlet openings only in a central area, but not in the upper and lower areas. The individual design of the outflow surfaces relates, for example, to the arrangement of the shrinking agent outlet openings within the outflow surface, the density of the shrinking agent outlet openings, the shape of the shrinking agent outlet openings, etc.

A variation in the cross-section of the shaft wall can also be achieved when using a support structure with a lower frame element, the cross-section of which is the same over its length and with fastening elements that have a constant width, in particular a width that corresponds to the width of the lower frame element. Here are at least partially spacer elements between the side surfaces comprising the outflow surfaces and the Support structure provided. The spacer elements are preferably arranged on the outflow surfaces and / or side surfaces or are formed by bent-over edge regions of the outflow surfaces and / or side surfaces.

Due to the construction of the shaft wall as a comb-shaped support structure with a selection of different, respectively mountable outflow surfaces or module elements comprising an outflow surface and, if appropriate, suitable spacing elements, in particular the flow properties of the shrinking agent can be specifically influenced. In particular, the use of spacer elements can be provided when fastening the outflow surfaces, in order thereby to adjust the width of the shaft chamber modules that are created and thus the size of the cross-sectional area of the shaft chamber modules. Due to the modular structure, the shaft wall geometry can be easily adjusted. On the other hand, the spraying pattern, in particular the amount of shrinking agent or the areas in which the packaging material is subjected to shrinking agent, can also be set in a targeted manner.

• Figur 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Schrumpfvorrichtung gemäß dem bekannten Stand der Technik.
• Figur 2 zeigt einen modularen Aufbau einer Schachtwand.
• Figur 3 zeigt Bestandteile einer ersten Ausführungsform eines modularen Aufbaus einer Schachtwand mit Trägerkonstruktion.
• Figuren 4 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform einer modular aufgebauten Schachtwand mit einer alternativen Ausführungsform der Trägerkonstruktion.
• Figuren 5 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform eines modularen Aufbaus einer Schachtwand mit Trägerkonstruktion.
• Figuren 6 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform eines modularen Aufbaus einer Schachtwand mit Trägerkonstruktion.
• Figuren 7 zeigen unterschiedliche Beispiele für Ausströmflächen.
• Figuren 8 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform eines modularen Aufbaus einer Schachtwand mit Trägerkonstruktion.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages with reference to the attached figures. The size relationships of the individual elements do not always correspond to the real size relationships, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a shrinking device according to the known prior art.
• Figure 2 shows a modular structure of a shaft wall.
• Figure 3 shows components of a first embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall with support structure.
• Figures 4 show a further embodiment of a modular shaft wall with an alternative embodiment of the support structure.
• Figures 5 show a further embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall with support structure.
• Figures 6 show a further embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall with support structure.
• Figures 7 show different examples of discharge areas.
• Figures 8 show a further embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall with support structure.

Identical reference numerals are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device according to the invention can be designed and do not constitute a final limitation.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a shrinking device 1 according to the known prior art. Articles, in particular beverage containers, bottles 12, cans or the like. are put together in article groups and covered with shrink film 14. These arrangements are also referred to as article assemblies or containers 10. The containers 10 are fed to the shrinking tunnel of the shrinking device 1 on a conveyor belt 4 in the transport direction TR. Heating means (not shown) are arranged in the shrink tunnel and act on the container 10 with shrinking means, for example with hot air, as a result of which the shrink film 14 shrinks around the bottles 12. After the containers 10 have passed through the shrink tunnel 1, they are cooled with cold air 22 by fans 20 arranged above the conveyor belt 4.

Figure 2 shows a side and Figure 3 shows a further perspective view of the modular structure of a shaft wall 2-1. Shrinking agent 7 is generated by a shrinking agent generator 6 and introduced into the shaft wall 2-1 via a distribution channel 8. The shaft wall 2-1 consists of four shaft chambers 32. The shaft chambers 32 are formed in succession in the transport direction TR by means of a support structure 25. The support structure 25 is a comb-shaped frame structure and comprises a lower frame element 26 arranged parallel to the transport direction TR. The length L _{25 of} the support structure 25 corresponds to the length L _{26 of} the lower frame element 26 and at least largely the length L of the shaft wall 2-1, ie the support structure 25 extends in the transport direction TR along the entire shaft wall 2-1.

Cross elements 27 are arranged on the lower frame element 26 at regular intervals orthogonally to the lower frame element 26 and orthogonally to the transport direction TR. The shaft chamber outflow plates 33 are arranged on these cross elements 27 as outflow surfaces 3 with shrinking agent outlet openings 3 *, as a result of which the individual shaft chamber modules 32 are formed.

1. 1) Die Unterseitenfläche 41 eines Schachtkammer- Moduls 32 wird durch einen Teilbereich des unteren Rahmenelementes 26 gebildet.
2. 2) Die vordere und hintere Querschnittsfläche 42 wird von jeweils einem orthogonalen Querelement 27 gebildet.
3. 3) Mindestens eine Seitenflächen 35 wird durch ein aufmontiertes Ausströmblech 33 oder ein aufmontiertes Modulelemente 34-n (vgl. Figuren 5A, 6A und 7) mit Ausströmfläche 3 gebildet.
4. 4) Die Oberseitenfläche 43 umfasst zumindest teilweise eine Verbindungsöffnung (nicht dargestellt) über die das Schachtkammer- Modul 32 an einer Schrumpfmittelverteilvorrichtung, insbesondere am Verteilkanal 8, angeordnet ist und über die das Schrumpfmittel 7 aus dem Verteilkanal 8 in die Schachtkammer- Module 32 der Schachtwand 2-1 übertritt.

A shaft chamber module 32 accordingly represents a hollow body which comprises the following side surfaces:

1. 1) The underside surface 41 of a shaft chamber module 32 is formed by a partial area of the lower frame element 26.
2. 2) The front and rear cross-sectional area 42 are each formed by an orthogonal cross element 27.
3. 3) At least one side surface 35 is covered by a discharge plate 33 or a module element 34-n (cf. Figures 5A . 6A and 7 ) formed with outflow surface 3.
4. 4) The top surface 43 at least partially comprises a connection opening (not shown) via which the shaft chamber module 32 is arranged on a shrinking agent distribution device, in particular on the distribution channel 8, and via which the shrinking agent 7 from the distribution channel 8 into the shaft chamber modules 32 of the shaft wall 2-1 passes.

According to the in the Figures 2 and 3 Embodiment of the shaft wall 2-1 shown, the support structure 25 comprises five cross elements 27, between which four shaft chamber modules 32 are formed. Figure 3 generally shows the components of a shaft wall 2-1 with support structure 25, which in particular consists of a lower frame element 26 and transverse elements 27 arranged orthogonally thereto. The outflow surfaces 3 each consist of sheet metal tiles or outflow sheets 33 or the like. with shrinking agent outlet openings 3 *, which are fastened to the support structure 25, for example by riveting on the lower frame element 26, the transverse elements 27 and on the distribution channel 8. The centrally arranged orthogonal transverse elements 27 form separating elements 30 which delimit the individual shaft chamber modules 32 from one another in a shrink-medium-tight manner ,

Figures 4 show a further embodiment of a modular shaft wall 2-2 with an alternative embodiment of the support structure 25-2. The width of the lower frame element 26-2 increases continuously in the transport direction TR. Similarly, the width B _{27-n of} the respective orthogonal cross elements 27-n also increases in the transport direction TR. In particular, the width of the transverse elements 27-n in a lower fastening region 28 arranged between the lower frame element and the respective transverse element 27-1 and in an upper fastening region 29 corresponds in each case to the width of the lower frame element 26-2 in this region. According to the in Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, outflow plates 33 with shrinkage agent outlet openings 3 * are attached to the support structure 25-2 as outflow surfaces 3. This forms a shaft wall 2-2, the width B or cross-sectional area Q of which increases continuously in the transport direction TR. This is also reflected in the Figure 4B illustrates that the shaft chamber modules 32-1 to 32-4 of a shaft wall 2-2 seen from above.

Figures 5 show a further embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall 2-4 with support structure 25. Figure 5A shows a so-called module element 34-1. This is an outflow surface 3 with spacer elements 37 for attachment to the support structure 25. The module element 34-1 consists, for example, of sheet metal or a comparable material and is in particular constructed like a box open at the top and standing on a side surface. The underside of the box is designed as an outflow surface 3 with shrinking agent outlet openings 3 *. The side surfaces 35 of the box-shaped module element 34-1, which are arranged largely orthogonal to the side edges of the outflow surface 3, serve as spacer elements 38. They have a height H ₁ and define the desired distance from the components 26, 27 of the support structure 25. The side surfaces 35 are on the edges to the outflow surface 3 and welded together in a shrink-tight manner. On the so-called upper edges 36 of the side surfaces 35 there are fastening areas 37, via which the module element 34-1 is fastened to the support structure 25. In particular, the fastening regions 37 can be formed by a bent, protruding region of the side surfaces 35. The module element 34-1 is fastened in an airtight manner to the lower frame element 26, two orthogonal transverse elements 27 and to the distribution channel 8 via the fastening areas 37, in particular this is done by riveting on the fastening areas 37.

wobei B₂₅ gleich der Breite der Rahmenelemente 26, 27 der Trägerkonstruktion 25, d.h. der Breite des unteren Rahmenelements 26 bzw. der Breite der Befestigungselemente 27 orthogonal zur Transportrichtung TR entspricht.The height H _{1 of} the module element 34-1 thus represents a partial width B _P1 of the shaft chamber module (not shown) formed by the support structure 25 and two module elements 34-1 arranged opposite one another. The total width B _G of such a shaft chamber - Module is calculated as follows: $${\mathrm{B}}_{\mathrm{G}}=2\cdot {\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="B\; P"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0007.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B\; </figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{P}}+{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="25"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0002.png,imgf0004.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}}_{25}.$$

where B _{25 is} equal to the width of the frame elements 26, 27 of the support structure 25, ie the width of the lower frame element 26 or the width of the fastening elements 27 orthogonal to the transport direction TR.

Figure 5B shows the arrangement of two module elements 34-1 within a modular shaft wall 2-3 and Figure 5C shows the shaft chamber modules 32-n of a shaft wall 2-3 seen from above. In particular, the first two shaft chamber modules 32-5 are formed by riveting outflow plates, so that the shaft wall 2-3 has a width B ₅ in this region, which is the width of the lower frame element 26 or the width of the transverse elements 27 corresponds orthogonally to the transport direction TR. The shaft chamber modules 32-6 are formed by riveting module elements 34-1 onto the frame elements 26, 27 of the support structure 25, so that the shaft wall 2-3 has a width B ₆ in this area, which can be calculated using the formula shown above ,

Figures 6 show further representations of a modular structure of a shaft wall 2-4 with support structure 25 according to the present invention. Figure 6A shows a so-called module element 34-2. Figure 6B shows the arrangement of a module element 34-2 and a module element 34-1 (cf. Figure 5A ) within a modular shaft wall 2-4 and Figure 6C shows the shaft chamber modules 32-n of a shaft wall 2-4 seen from above. The module element 34-2 is also constructed in the form of a box open at the top and standing on one side surface. However, the height H of the side surface 35 *, which forms the standing surface or top of the module element 34-2, increases in the transport direction TR. That is, the short side 40-1 arranged first in the transport direction TR has a first length or first height H ₁ and thus a first partial width B _P1 . The short side 40-2 arranged downstream in the transport direction TR has a second length or second height H ₂ and thus a second partial width B _P2 . Thus, by arranging two module elements 34-2 opposite one another on the support structure 25, a shaft chamber module 32-7 is formed, the cross section of which continuously changes from a first overall width B _G1 = 2 · B _P1 + B ₂₅ to a second overall width B _G2 = 2 · B _P2 + B ₂₅ increased.

The change in the cross section of the shaft wall along its length parallel to the transport direction TR can advantageously be used to optimize the shrinking process along the transport route. It is particularly problematic that the energy input into the shrink film decreases along the transport route through the shrink tunnel, since the distance between the outflow surfaces of the shaft wall and the shrink film increases in the direction of transport during the shrinking process. In addition, the jet speed of the shrinking agent decreases with increasing depth of penetration into the room and that the shrinking agent loses temperature until the shrink film is reached and the distances covered are longer until the shrink film is reached. Due to the modular construction of the shaft wall according to the invention by means of a support structure and discharge plates or module elements, the distance between the discharge surfaces and the "packaged goods" along the transport route can thus be optimized, in particular the discharge surfaces can be tracked continuously or in stages. For example, a shaft chamber module arranged first in the transport direction TR can have a first width and a first cross-sectional area transversely to the transport direction TR. The downstream second shaft chamber module has a second width and a second cross-sectional area transverse to the transport direction TR, which is larger than the first width B of the first shaft chamber module, etc.

Figures 7 show different examples of module elements 34-1 to 34-12 for attachment to a support structure 25 (not shown, cf. Figures 3 to 6 ). Figure 7A shows a simple outflow plate 33. Figure 7B shows a cuboid module element 34-1 according to Figure 5A and Figure 7C shows a so-called crooked module element 34-2 according to Figure 6A , Furthermore, module elements 34-3 to 34-6 with curved outflow surfaces 3 * are possible, for example with outflow surfaces 3a projecting convexly into the interior of the shrinking device ( Figures 7D, 7E ) or with concave discharge surfaces 3b ( Figures 7F, 7G ).

Figures 7H to 7L show module elements 34-7 to 34-11 with two-part outflow surface 3. In particular, the outflow surface 3 can be divided into an upper outflow partial surface 3c and a lower outflow partial surface 3d, with the lower outflow partial surface 3d in the module element 34-7 Interior of the shrinking device protrudes as the upper outflow partial surface 3c. According to the module element 34-8 Figure 7I the upper outflow partial surface 3c has an obliquely upward and in the direction of the interior of the shrinking device, while the lower outflow partial surface 3d has an obliquely downward and in the direction of the interior of the shrinking device. According to the module element 34-9 Figure 7K Both outflow partial surfaces 3c, 3d each have a concave shape. Furthermore, the outflow surface 3 in the transport direction TR can be divided into a front outflow partial surface 3e and a rear outflow partial surface 3f, and the outflow surfaces 3e, 3f each have an oblique configuration. Furthermore, in Figure 7M an embodiment of a module element 34-12 shown, in which the outflow surface 3 is divided into a plurality of outflow surfaces 3 *. Further embodiments not shown here can be derived by the person skilled in the art.

Figures 8 show a further embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall 2-5 with support structure 25-3, in which the width of the transverse elements 27a increases along its length L ₂₇ between the lower frame element 26 of the support structure 25-3 and the distribution channel 8. In particular, the transverse elements 27a have a first, lower width Bu in the fastening region 28 on the lower frame element 26 and have a second, upper width B _O in a fastening region 29 which serves for fastening to the distribution channel 8. The second, upper width B _O is preferably larger than the first, lower width B _U. Outflow plates 33 are fastened to the support structure 25-3, as a result of which the shaft wall 2-5 is formed. In the present exemplary embodiment, this consists of four shaft chamber modules, the shaft chamber modules having a cross-sectional area 42a perpendicular to Have formed transport direction TR, whose width B increases between the lower frame element 26 and the distribution channel 8. The shaft wall 2-5 thus formed has a so-called wedge-shaped cross section orthogonal to the transport direction TR. This results in an advantageous outflow direction of the shrinking means in a lower area of the shaft wall 2-5, in particular in the area directly above the transport route for the articles.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes of the invention can be made without leaving the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1,

shrinker

2, 2-n

shaft wall

3

outflow,

3 *

Shrinkage agent outlet openings

4

Transport device / conveyor belt

6

Shrinkage agents producer

7

shrinkage agents

8th

distribution channel

10

Article compilation, packaging, packaging unit

12

bottle

14

shrink film

20

fan

22

cold air

25, 25 *

support structure

26, 26 *

lower frame element

27, 27-n

orthogonal cross member / fastener

28

lower mounting area

29

upper fastening area

30

separating element

32-n

Shaft chamber module

33

Ausströmblech

34-n

module element

35

side surface

36

top edge

37

fixing areas

38

spacer

40-n

short side

41

Bottom surface

42

Cross sectional area

43

Top surface

B _G

Total width of the shaft chamber

B _n

Width of the shaft chamber

B _Pn

partial width of the shaft chamber module / shaft chamber

B _27-n

Width of the orthogonal fastener

H

height

L, Ln

length

Q

Cross sectional area

TR

transport direction

Claims (11)

1. A shrinking apparatus (1) for shrinking packaging means (14) around an article (12) or a set of articles (12), wherein the shrinking apparatus (1) comprises at least one transport path (4) for the articles (12) or the sets of articles, on which transport path (4) the articles (12), which are wrapped in packaging means (14), are transported in a transport direction (TR), and wherein the shrinking apparatus (1) comprises at least two shaft walls (2), which are arranged on both sides along the transport path (4), wherein at least one shrinking means distribution apparatus (8) is arranged above each shaft wall (2), and wherein each shaft wall (2) has at least one outflow surface (3) with a plurality of shrinking means outlet openings (3*), the outflow surface (3) in each case facing an interior space of the shrinking apparatus (1), wherein shrinking means (7) is conductible via the shrinking means distribution apparatus (8) into the interior space of the shaft walls (2) and conductible via the outflow surface (3), respectively, onto the articles (12), which are wrapped in packaging means (14), in the interior space of the shrinking apparatus (1), characterised in that the shaft walls (2-n) are each constructed of at least two shaft chamber modules (32, 32-n), which are arranged in transport direction (TR) in a row one after the other and which are separated from one another laterally, wherein each shaft chamber module (32, 32-n) comprises two lateral surfaces (35), which are arranged at least largely in parallel to the transport direction (TR), wherein at least one lateral surface (35) is at least partially designed as an outflow surface (33), wherein each shaft chamber module (32, 32-n) furthermore comprises a top side surface, a bottom side surface, and a front and a back cross-sectional side surface, wherein the cross-sectional side surfaces are arranged at least largely orthogonal to the transport direction (TR), wherein the top side surface has a connecting opening to the shrinking means distribution apparatus (8), wherein the shaft wall has a comb-shaped support structure (25), wherein the length of the support structure (25) largely corresponds to the length of the respective shaft wall (2-n), wherein the support structure (25) comprises a frame element (26) in parallel to the transport direction (TR), which frame element (26) is formed as a comb ridge, and cross elements (27), which are arranged orthogonal to the transport direction (TR), wherein the cross elements (27) form the cross-sectional side surfaces of the shaft chamber modules (32, 32-n), and wherein the lateral surfaces of the shaft chamber modules (32, 32-n) are bolted together with the cross elements (27), wherein at least one shrinking means distribution apparatus (8) per shaft wall (2-n) is assigned at least two shaft chamber modules (32, 32-n), wherein the shaft chamber modules (32, 32-n) are separated from one another by the cross elements (27) in such a way that they are laterally impermeable to shrinking means.
2. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 1 wherein the support structure (25) comprises at least one upper frame element in parallel to the transport direction (TR), which frame element is at least partially permeable for shrinking means (7), and a plurality of cross elements (27), which are arranged largely orthogonal to the upper frame element and largely orthogonal to the transport direction (TR), and/or wherein the support structure (25) comprises at least one lower frame element (26) in parallel to the transport direction (TR) and a plurality of cross elements (27), which are arranged largely orthogonal to the lower frame element (26) and largely orthogonal to the transport direction (TR).
3. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 2 wherein the individual shaft chamber modules (32, 32-n) are each formed by the frame elements and cross elements (26, 27) of the support structure (25) and by lateral surfaces (35), wherein the lateral surfaces (35) are each closed lateral surfaces or outflow surfaces (3), which are arranged and fastened at the frame elements and cross elements (26, 27) of the support structure (25), wherein at least one lateral surface (35) of one shaft chamber module (32, 32-n) is at least partially designed as outflow surface (3).
4. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 3 wherein the side surfaces or outflow surfaces (35, 3) are closed side panels or outflow panels (33) with shrinking means outlet openings (3*), which side panels or outflow panels (33) are screwed together with the frame elements and cross elements (26, 27) of the support structure (25).
5. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in one of the claims 2 to 4 wherein the lower frame element (26) has a width perpendicular to the transport direction (TR), wherein the width of the lower frame element (26) of the support structure (25) continuously increases perpendicular to the transport direction (TR) at least sectionwise over a length (L₂₅) of the support structure (25).
6. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 5 wherein the cross elements (27) have a width perpendicular to the transport direction (TR), wherein the width (B_27-n) of the cross elements (27), which are arranged largely orthogonal to the lower frame element (26) and largely orthogonal to the transport direction (TR), in each case corresponds to the width of the lower frame element (26) in a respective fastening section (28) of the cross elements (27) at the support structure (25).
7. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 6 wherein the width (B_27-1) of a first cross element (27-1) is less than the width (B_27-2) of a second cross element (27-2), which is arranged downstream in transport direction (TR).
8. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in one of the claims 2 to 7 wherein the cross elements (27) have a first width in a fastening section (28) at the lower frame element (26) of the support structure (25), and wherein the cross elements (27) have a second width in a section directly below a fastening section (29) at the shrinking means distribution apparatus (5), in particular wherein the second width is greater than the first width.
9. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in one of the claims 2 to 8 wherein the cross elements (27) have a cross section perpendicular to the transport direction, wherein the top side of the cross section abuts on the fastening section of the shrinking means distribution apparatus (5), and wherein the bottom side of the cross section abuts on the lower frame element (26), wherein at least one of the sides of the cross elements (27), which are arranged largely in perpendicular to the transport path, are formed to be convex or concave.
10. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in one of the claims 3 to 9 wherein distance-holding elements (38) for adjusting a width of the shaft chamber modules transverse to the transport direction (TR) are at least partially arranged between the outflow surfaces (3), which are arranged at the support structure (25), and the support structure (25).
11. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 10 wherein the distance-holding elements (38) are arranged at the outflow surfaces (3).

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